Module 9 - AEFI Flashcards
If a patient develops cold symptoms after a vaccine, is it likely that it was caused by the vaccine?
No - most likely due to a viral infection
What are the most common types of AEFI ?
minor local reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection
What causes minor local reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection?
either due to high titres of antibody or through the irritation of the tissues due to the process of injecting a foreign material
When do minor local reactions usually begin?
within a few hours after vaccination
What can you recommend to patients to ease their discomfort due to minor local reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection?
- cold compresses
- acetaminophen
Are minor local reactions a contraindication for further doses of the vaccine ?
NO - the recurrence risk is moderate and declines with the length of interval between doses
Describe an Arthus reaction
- large and more severe than local reactions to a vaccine
- characterized by pain, swelling, induration (tissue that becomes firm) and edema
- usually begins 2-12 hours following immunization and develops gradually over a period of hours
Why are Arthus reactions formed?
- believed to occur due to the presence of a large amount of circulating antibody prior to injection of the vaccine and the formation antigen-antibody immune complexes
- these complexes deposit in the walls of blood vessels, resulting in intense mobilization and leakage of white blood cells
- red blood cells also leak into the surrounding tissues
- results in massive swelling at site of injection that may involve the entire limb
Is an Arthus reaction considered an allergic reaction?
NO
What can we recommend to ease discomfort for an Arthus reaction?
- cold compresses
- acetaminophen
- limb elevation
*to reduce pain and swelling
How long do Arthus reactions usually last?
1 week
Can subsequent doses of vaccine be given to a child less than 6 months of age who got an Arthus reaction with the initial dose of vaccine?
No - deferral of subsequent doses of the same vaccine for several months is indicated
How do you manage if an Arthus reaction occurred during a tetanus toxoid booster?
Future boosters may need to be spaced at longer intervals and antitoxin levels may require monitoring prior to the injection of the next booster.
Nodules following immunization are mainly associated with vaccines containing ________-based adjuvants
aluminum
When are nodules very common?
When the immunizer deposits the vaccine contents SC rather than IM
How long can nodules last for?
Up to a year - they are rarely permanent
Are nodules allergic in origin?
NO
What can we recommend for nodules?
analgesic and ice to injection site will provide relief of pain
*in some situations, drainage of the nodule may be required
If a pt develops a nodule, can they receive further doses of the vaccine?
Yes - no deferral of subsequent vaccines is necessary.
*Use an alternate site for the next dose and ensure proper technique and correct needle length for IM injections
Fever that does not being until ______ hours after vaccination with inactivated vaccines should not be assumed to be due to the vaccine.
more than 24
Fevers can increase the risk of ???
febrile seizures
Are febrile seizures serious?
They have an excellent prognosis without any long-term problems. But they may decrease a parent’s faith in the immunization system.
_____ is drug of choice for treating fever post-immunization
Acetaminophen
What is the dose for acetaminophen?
15 mg/kg/dose every 4-5 hours (max 5 doses/day)
Is fever a contraindication to further doses of the vaccine?
No - the chance of recurrence is moderate
Should parents give children acetaminophen before a vaccine in case they develop a fever?
No - it should only be given if they develop a fever (or pain at site of injection)
___ vaccines produce a low-grade infection which can include adenopathy (lymph node enlargement)
Live
With any immunization, if ______ contaminate the infection site, it can lead to inflammation of lymph nodes
bacteria
When would adenopathy be considered severe?
when at least one lymph node > 1.5 cm in diameter